Table construction



June 11, 1935. A. HEATH TABLE CONSTRUCTION Filed July so, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 J71 0671737? 4 Zeff iz eai/f, Q 17 June 11, 1935. A. HEATH TABLE CONSTRUCTION Filed July 30, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 TABLE CONSTRUCTION Albert Heath, Chicago, 111., assignor to R. F. Weisbrenner, Chicago, 111.

Application July 30, 1934, Serial No. 737,678

2 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in table construction and, more especially, to improved means for hingedly attaching a leg to a table.

Among the features of my invention is the provision of a hinge joint for a leg that will firmly brace and secure the leg when open and yet permit ready folding of the leg.

Another feature of my invention is an improved brace or bracing means for locking the leg in open position and bracing the same against undesired folding. This means, however, is readily disengageable to permit folding of the leg when desired.

Other features and advantages of my invention will appear more fully as I proceed with my specification.

In those forms of devices embodying the features of my invention shown in the accompanying drawings- Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view showing the leg closed; Fig. 2 is a similar view showing the leg open; Fig. 3 is a view taken as indicated by the line 3' of Fig. 2; Fig. 3 is a plan or end section of the pin of the hinge; Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 1 showing a modified form; Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 1 showing another modification; and Fig. 6 is a view taken as indicated by the line 6 of Fig. 5.

I shall first describe the construction shown in Figs. 1, 2 and3. As here shown, the table includes a top it), with an apron ll of usual construction. On the underside of the top and against the apron I l is fastened a block 12 to which the leg I3 is hinged by means of the hinge I 4.

The pin M of the hinge is extended inwardly and embraced by holes in the ends of the auxiliary hinge members I5 and Hi, the former screwed to the inside of the leg adjacent the side to which the hinge I4 is attached and the latter similarly fastened to the inside face of the block l2. These auxiliary hinge members brace the leg against sidewise bending when in open position and thus considerably relieve the strain on the hinge l4 and especially on the screws I by which such hinge is attached to the block 12.

Means are also provided for locking and bracing the leg in open position. Such means includes a toggle comprising the links I! and i8 hinged to the side of the leg and the side of the block, respectively, and pivotally connected at [9. The link I! is provided with an extension I l (projecting beyond the pivot IS), the end of which is adapted to be pressed into engagement with the lug, seat, or plate 20 fastened on the underside of the block l2. This isaccomplished by moving the toggle slightly beyond the straight position. This may be termed the locked posi-' tion'for the toggle} When in this position, the

leg is locked against closing, because any pressure on the leg tending to close it merely pushes the end of the extension W more firmly against thev lug or seat afforded by the member 20. In order to close the leg, the toggle is broken by remov-' ing the end of the extension from the seat and the leg may then be folded up under the table top.

The screw 2! may serve. as an additional stopfor the toggle lever i? when in locked position.

The construction shown in Fig. 4 is similar to that shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 and similar parts are indicated by the same reference numerals augmented by 100. There is a diiierence-in the following respect, however. The leg H3 is provided with a notch E3El'and the leg is hinged close enough to the apron i ll so that when it is open, the apron will lie in the notch. By this construction the leg can be fastened much closer to the edge of the table to give increased stability; and when it is open, its'outer face will form a smooth surface with the outside of the apron.

In the construction of Figs, 5 and 6, the block 7 i2 is omitted and the leg 2l3 is hinged directly to the underside of the top 210 by the hinge 2 M.

In order to brace the leg against sidewise strain there is provided the auxiliary hinge brace 2l5 with oneend screwed to the leg and the other end pivoted at 239 to the members 23! and 232 attached to the underside of the top'ZIB. The pivot 230 is substantially in line with the axis of the hinge 2 it and far enough to one side of the hinge to give the leg a good brace against sidewise strains.

A toggle including the membersflll and 2 l8 is provided for locking the leg in open position. Since the construction and operation of this toggle are the same as described above for the construction of Figs. 1, 2 and 3, the same need not be described here.

While I have shown and described certain embodiments of my invention, it is to be understood that it is capable of many modifications. Changes, therefore, in the construction and arrangement may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as disclosed in the appended claims, in which it is my intention to claim all novelty inherent in my invention as broadly as permissible, in view of the prior art. What I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

1. Table construction, including; a top; a block f l r i hinge; and auxiliary hinge members fastened to the side of the leg and the side of the block, said members having holes embracing said extension on said pin. i

2. Table construction including; a top; a leg hinged under the top; a toggle, including links fastened to the underside of the top; a leg hinged to the underside of the block by a hinge with a pin; an inward extension on the pin of the hinged to the side of the leg and on the, underside of the top, respectively, and pivotally connected,

the former provided with an extension projecting beyond such pivot; and a seat under the top adapted to be engaged by the end of said extension when the toggle is moved inwardly beyond its straight position.

' ALBERT HEATH. 

